Nico Williams has now used Barcelona for a better contract extension at Athletic Club two years in a row. 🤦♂️ pic.twitter.com/JPb4xs3aPV
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) July 4, 2025
Barcelona feel betrayed after Nico Williams snubbed them for a long-term Athletic Bilbao deal, despite previous agreement.
Barcelona are reportedly furious after Nico Williams signed a long-term deal with Athletic Club, despite previously expressing interest in a move. According to Diario AS, Williams’ agent informed Athletic of his intention to join Barcelona on June 24, but the Basque club offered vastly improved terms and secured a contract running until 2035.
Barcelona had agreed on personal terms but were unable to register the player due to salary cap issues. Sport reports the club reacted with “incredulity,” accusing Williams and his camp of using their interest to negotiate a better contract. “We feel used,” a source reportedly said, citing the lack of communication about Williams’ decision and frustration that the club was preparing to activate his release clause.
RAC1 adds that Barcelona are ruling out future approaches for the player, turning instead to alternatives like Liverpool’s Luis Díaz and Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford. Deco reportedly prefers Díaz, but Rashford could be a more financially viable option.